So, you’re wondering how to get to the Fortree Gym in Pokémon Emerald? The most straightforward path involves navigating through Route 119, which is packed with trainers and wild Pokémon. You’ll want to ensure you have a strong team, as Gym Leader Winona specializes in Flying-type Pokémon, and her Bird Pokémon can pack a punch!
This guide will lead you step-by-step on the easiest path to reach the Fortree City Gym and prepare you for the challenge ahead. We’ll cover the routes you need to take, important items to find, and strategies for your upcoming battle. Whether you’re looking for a simple Pokémon Emerald walkthrough or a detailed breakdown of the Fortree City map, this guide has you covered.
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Journeying to Fortree City
To reach Fortree City, you’ll need to make your way east from Verdanturf Town. Your primary path will lead you through the vibrant and often challenging Route 119. This route is a significant landmark on your journey, introducing you to new trainers and offering essential items.
Preparing for Route 119
Before you step onto Route 119, it’s wise to do some preparation.
- Heal Your Pokémon: Make sure all your Pokémon are fully healed at the Pokémon Center.
- Stock Up: Buy plenty of Potions and Antidotes. You’ll likely encounter Poison-type Pokémon, and damage can add up quickly.
- HM Suitability: Ensure you have Pokémon that can use essential HMs like Cut, Surf, and Strength. While not all are strictly needed to reach Fortree, they are crucial for exploring the surrounding areas and progressing in the game. For accessing Fortree City itself, you will primarily rely on navigating the terrain.
Navigating Route 119
Route 119 is a long and winding path. It’s characterized by tall grass, trainers, and some environmental puzzles.
- The Tall Grass: Expect a lot of wild Pokémon encounters here. You’ll find a variety of species, including Bug Pokémon that can be quite numerous.
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Trainers Galore: This route is famous for having more trainers than usual. Be prepared for battles! Here’s a look at some of the trainers you might encounter:
Trainer Name Pokémon Species Level Youngster Joey Zigzagoon, Taillow 20 Swimmer Wingull, Marill 19 Camper Barry Tentacool, Wingull 20 Picnicker Gina Oddish, Gloom 19 Ace Trainer Electabuzz, Magneton 25 Note: Levels can vary slightly based on your game progression.
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The Weather Institute: Midway through Route 119, you’ll find the Weather Institute. This building is important for a couple of reasons:
- Groudon/Kyogre Event: If you’ve progressed to a certain point in the story, you might encounter a situation related to the Legendary Pokémon Groudon or Kyogre here, involving weather patterns.
- Item Reward: After dealing with Team Magma or Team Aqua’s interference at the institute, you’ll receive a helpful item, often the “Old Rod” or an “Rare Candy,” depending on the situation and who you helped. It’s worth stopping by.
- The Waterfall: Route 119 features a large waterfall. To proceed east towards Fortree City, you will need to use the HM07 Waterfall. However, to reach Fortree City without Waterfall, you must navigate around it. This typically involves taking paths through the tall grass and avoiding falling down the waterfall’s edge.
The Hidden Path to Fortree City
The easiest path to Fortree City avoids the need for Waterfall directly. You’ll continue east on Route 119. The key is to keep moving forward through the tall grass. You’ll encounter a few trainers and dense patches of grass.
- Objective: Your goal is to head east. The route will naturally guide you towards the entrance of Fortree City.
- Key Landmark: Look for a distinct change in the terrain. The tall grass will eventually give way to the pathways and structures of Fortree City.
Arriving in Fortree City
As you enter Fortree City, you’ll notice its unique architecture. Buildings are built high up in trees, giving it a distinct, airy feel. The city is surrounded by water, and you’ll see many bridges and platforms connecting its various sections.
Exploring Fortree City
Before heading directly to the gym, it’s a good idea to explore the city.
- Pokémon Center: This is your first stop to heal and prepare.
- Mart: Restock on any items you might need.
- Other Buildings: You’ll find various houses and other structures. Some might contain trainers, items, or helpful hints.
The Fortree City Map
A quick look at a Fortree City map will show you its layout. The Gym is typically located in the central-south part of the city. You’ll need to navigate the tree-house structures and bridges to get there.
The Fortree Gym Challenge
Now that you’ve arrived, it’s time to face the Fortree Gym Leader.
Gym Leader Winona’s Specialty
Gym Leader Winona is a master of Flying-type Pokémon. This means you’ll be facing a team primarily composed of Bird Pokémon. These Pokémon are strong against Grass and Bug Pokémon but weak against Rock, Electric, and Ice-type attacks.
- Common Flying-types: Expect Pokémon like Swellow, Pelipper, Tropius, and Altaria. Altaria, in particular, is a dual Flying/Dragon type, making it a formidable opponent.
Preparing Your Team for the Gym Battle
To overcome Winona’s team, consider the following:
- Electric-types: Pokémon like Plusle, Minun, or even a Manectric are excellent choices. Their Electric-type attacks are super-effective against most Flying-types.
- Rock-types: Pokémon like Geodude, Nosepass, or Lairon can also do significant damage with Rock-type moves.
- Ice-types: Though less common at this stage, if you have access to an Ice-type Pokémon or a Pokémon with Ice Beam, it will be highly effective.
- Resistances: If your Pokémon have resistance to Flying-type attacks, they will take less damage.
The Fortree Gym Puzzle
The Fortree Gym is known for its unique puzzle. Inside, you’ll find a series of switches that control the opening and closing of doors.
- The Switches: The gym floor is a grid with several switches. Stepping on a switch will change the configuration of the doors.
- Objective: Your goal is to reach Gym Leader Winona at the end of the gym. This requires a specific sequence of switch activations.
- Trial and Error: This puzzle often involves some trial and error. Pay attention to which doors open and close when you step on a switch.
- Common Strategy: A common method is to try a few switches, observe the results, and backtrack if you find yourself blocked. There isn’t one single “correct” path from the start; rather, it’s about finding the sequence that opens your way forward.
- Trainer Battles: As you navigate the puzzle, you’ll also encounter trainers within the gym. Be sure to defeat them to gain experience and items.
Table: Fortree Gym Puzzle Progression (Example Path)
This table outlines a possible sequence of switch activations. Keep in mind that the exact layout might vary slightly, and other solutions exist.
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Enter Gym | Start at the entrance. |
| Go up and step on the first switch. | A door ahead opens, another closes. |
| Continue past the opened door. | Encounter Trainer 1 (Bird Pokémon trainer). |
| After Trainer 1, step on the next switch. | Opens a path to the left. |
| Take the left path. | Encounter Trainer 2 (Bug Pokémon trainer). |
| After Trainer 2, step on the switch. | Opens a path directly ahead. |
| Proceed forward. | Encounter Trainer 3 (Ace Trainer). |
| After Trainer 3, step on the final switch. | Opens the path directly to Winona. |
| Approach Winona | Battle commences. |
What Happens After Winning Against Winona?
Upon defeating Gym Leader Winona, you will receive the Gym Badge and TM40 Aerial Ace. Aerial Ace is a powerful Flying-type move that never misses, making it a valuable addition to your team, especially if you have a Flying-type Pokémon.
Important HMs for Further Progression
While HM02 Fly isn’t strictly required to get to the Fortree Gym, it becomes incredibly useful once you have it. Fly allows you to instantly travel to any Pokémon Center you’ve previously visited. This will drastically cut down on travel time as you continue your journey through Hoenn.
- HM02 Fly: This HM is typically found in the Verdanturf Town area or on a route connected to it, often after a certain story event or by speaking to a specific NPC. Having Fly will make returning to Fortree City or any other previously visited location much quicker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need Surf to get to the Fortree Gym?
A: No, you do not need Surf to reach the Fortree Gym. The path is primarily through land-based routes like Route 119. Surf is important for later exploration within Fortree City and surrounding areas.
Q: What Pokémon are weak against Flying-type Pokémon?
A: Flying-type Pokémon are weak against Rock, Electric, and Ice-type moves.
Q: Which HMs are useful for navigating Fortree City?
A: HM03 Surf might be needed to access certain parts of Fortree City, but the main path to the gym does not require it. HM02 Fly is essential for faster travel after you obtain it.
Q: Can I use Bug Pokémon against Winona’s team?
A: While Bug Pokémon are generally weak against Flying-types, you can use them if they are very high-leveled or have a secondary typing that provides an advantage (e.g., a Bug/Flying type with strong defensive capabilities or a Bug/Ground type). However, it’s generally not the recommended strategy.
Q: What is the reward for beating Gym Leader Winona?
A: You receive the Gym Badge and TM40 Aerial Ace.
This comprehensive guide should set you on the easiest path to the Fortree Gym, preparing you for the challenges and rewards that await in this unique Hoenn city. Good luck with your battles!